Q1 WHO uses SNAP?

A2 47 million Americans. Seventy-six percent of SNAP households include a child, senior, or person with a disability.

 

Q2 CAN YOU get SNAP if you have work income?

A2 YES! More than 16 percent of the people Foodlink assisted have jobs. Nationally, over 40 percent of SNAP households include a working adult. Even if you are self-employed, your business expenses are also taken into account when determining eligibility.

 

Q3 CAN YOU get SNAP if you have retirement funds or pension?

A3 YES! Just as work income is counted, other income such as social security and pension are accounted for and do not disqualify you. Household size, medical, child care and shelter expenses are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility,

 

Q4 CAN YOU have a car, a savings account, or other assets?

A4 YES! There are no asset limit tests in New York. Assets do not determine eligibility. However, they are taken into account in order to receive “expedited benefits,” or to receive SNAP within 5 days.

 

Q5 WHAT IF you are not a citizen?

A5 YOU CAN STILL RECEIVE SNAP! Documented immigrants are eligible for SNAP, including sponsored immigrants, green card and working VISA holders, non-permanent residents and asylees  

 

Q6 DON’T SENIORS usually receive the minimum $15?

A6 NO! While $15 is the new minimum for SNAP, the average live alone senior receives more than $122 a month. 

 

Q7 WHAT IF I’m homeless?

A7 YOU CAN STILL RECEIVE SNAP! A permanent address is not needed. You can use a P.O. BOX, Shelter, or trusted friend, organization or family member’s address to have your benefits mailed to you.

 

Q8 CAN YOU get SNAP if you have retirement funds or pension?

A8 YES! Just as work income and social security is counted, income, household sized, medical, child care and shelter expenses are taken into consideration when determining eligibility,

 

Q9 CAN I get help and sign up for SNAP during Livingston County's End Hunger Day?

A9 YES! We will have representatives from Foodlink to prescreen people for eligibility, provide an estimate of your total benefits, complete and submit your application, provide appointment-based documentation assistance, and follow the application through with the county office. Foodlink has reduced the 6 page application process to a page and a conversation. You won’t have to step a foot out of the door!